Ed
In Recent News

Cannabis referendum: What Rotorua locals think of legalising the drug

NZ Herald 14 June 2020
Our additional comment: Great stuff from TDDA who are part of the SAM-NZ coalition…
“The Drug Detection Agency’s chief operating officer Glenn Dobson has some major concerns about cannabis becoming legal, especially for workers in the Rotorua area who could find themselves impaired to the point where they could be seriously hurt or killed. He said THC – the psychoactive compound in cannabis – was proven to affect a person’s ability to concentrate, their mental awareness, ability to multi-task and their time perception. He wasn’t convinced that wasn’t just immediately after smoking the drug when users felt “stoned”. He said from the Drug Detection Agency’s point of view any legalising of cannabis was going to create safety “headaches” for employers.”

Should New Zealanders be allowed to smoke and grow cannabis legally for themselves? Journalist Kelly Makiha takes a look at the controversial issue and explains this year’s referendum while also finding out which way some locals will vote.

“Dak heads” and “stoners” or just a harmless way of winding down that’s become socially acceptable?

In just over three months New Zealanders get to choose whether it will become legal to grow and use cannabis for recreational purposes.

Depending on which side of the argument you’re on, there are plenty of pros and cons.

The Drug Detection Agency’s chief operating officer Glenn Dobson has some major concerns about cannabis becoming legal, especially for workers in the Rotorua area who could find themselves impaired to the point where they could be seriously hurt or killed.

He said THC – the psychoactive compound in cannabis – was proven to affect a person’s ability to concentrate, their mental awareness, ability to multi-task and their time perception.

He wasn’t convinced that wasn’t just immediately after smoking the drug when users felt “stoned”.

He pointed to the Yesavage study, which showed 10 experienced licensed private pilots were impaired while flying 24 hours after smoking cannabis.

He said despite failing in areas including judging the wings, elevation and landing, the pilots reported not feeling impaired at the time.

He said from the Drug Detection Agency’s point of view any legalising of cannabis was going to create safety “headaches” for employers.”

“We are about workplace safety and any legislation that legalises the usage is going to have a negative impact on safety and for that reason, we have some concerns.”

He said potency was also a factor as cannabis nowadays was a completely different drug to what it was decades ago. He said if the Government’s cannabis wasn’t as strong and was more expensive than what could be found on the black market, nothing would change in terms of stamping out criminal growers.

“Users will look to get better bang for their buck.”
READ MORE: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rotorua-daily-post/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503438&objectid=12338579

signup-rollKeep up with family issues in NZ.
Receive our weekly emails direct to your Inbox.
Ed
In Media Release

Police Association Raises Significant Concerns of Legalising Cannabis

Media Release 12 June 2020
An analysis by the Police Association of the cannabis referendum and the possible legislation that would result from legalisation has raised significant concerns around continued gang presence and difficulties in enforcement.

In the article in the June edition of Police News, concerns raised by the Police Association include:

  • Difficult for voters to understand the legislation
  • Limiting potency will simply empower the gangs
  • Mixed messaging around enforcement
  • Police will be open to accusations of bias or inconsistency
  • Home grows will be difficult to police – and difficult to tell the difference between home grow and dealer
  • The proposed controls will result in gangs remaining significant players

With the help of senior lawyers, the SayNopeToDope campaign has also analysed the proposed legislation. Our 4-page summary, Analysis – Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill, highlights significant concerns around:

  • home grows, and the large quantities that can be grown
  • consuming drugs at home in front of children and young people
  • high quantities of purchase and possession
  • age restrictions which will be difficult to enforce, as already evidenced by tobacco & alcohol
  • home production of edibles and dabbing e.g. butane hash oil (already an issue in NZ and overseas)
  • restrictions on potency which will be difficult to enforce and will empower the black market
  • difficulties for councils to ban pot shops in their local areas
  • increased regulation which will mean increased demand for policing (rather than a reduction as argued)
  • education and prevention is mentioned, but only in relation to use
  • significant concerns around workplace impairment
  • contradicts our SmokeFree 2025 policy

The analysis is also available online https://saynopetodope.org.nz/2020/05/01/control/

Coalition member and ex-Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Pizzini says “The biggest irony of the proposed legislation is that cannabis is actually a driver of crime and road trauma. Why would we open the floodgates on a substance that is harmful to young people, workplace safety, and our already overloaded mental health services.”
ENDS

Ed
In Recent News

Complaints pile up following Drug Foundation’s ‘vote yes’ to cannabis campaign

TVNZ One News 11 June 2020
Our additional comment: The ad claims that people who could benefit from medicinal cannabis could get much better access. Dr Kate Baddock, chairwoman of the New Zealand Medical Association, has called the claims “rubbish”. “It’s a completely misleading statement,” she told 1 NEWS. Bill Hodge, an Auckland University law professor, agrees. “This new proposal on which we’re having the referendum has nothing to do with medicinal cannabis and I don’t think the ad should have that reference,” he says. That’s because medicinal cannabis is already legal and has been prescribed in New Zealand since April.

Complaints are piling up over a brand new pro-cannabis campaign funded by the Drug Foundation.

Launched on multiple platforms a week ago, it calls on New Zealanders to vote yes to legalising cannabis at a referendum in September.

However, critics say the advertisement is inaccurate and possibly misleading.

It’s the first step in a battle the Drug Foundation is desperate to win, but one of the claims in the new ad has hit a sour note with some close observers.

The ad claims that people who could benefit from medicinal cannabis could get much better access.

Dr Kate Baddock, chairwoman of the New Zealand Medical Association, has called the claims “rubbish”.

“It’s a completely misleading statement,” she told 1 NEWS.

Bill Hodge, an Auckland University law professor, agrees.

“This new proposal on which we’re having the referendum has nothing to do with medicinal cannabis and I don’t think the ad should have that reference,” he says.
READ MORE: https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/complaints-pile-up-following-drug-foundations-vote-yes-cannabis-campaign

facebook_icon

Ed
In Recent News

Police warn parents after NZ woman accused of selling cannabis edibles through social media

TVNZ One News 10 June 2020
Our additional comment: Already an issue – and we haven’t even had the vote yet! Don’t open the floodgates. Vote NO.
“Waikato Detective Inspector Graham Pitkethley says the method of selling via social media allows people of all ages, including children and young people, to easily purchase and obtain such products. “It’s equally important for parents and caregivers to be aware that young people are able to purchase these products via a range of social media platforms. The psychoactive effects from eating cannabis products will be widely variable depending on the individual. This would be extremely frightening to a person eating these products unknowingly.””

Waikato police are warning Kiwi parents following a police sting which saw lollies, chocolates and baked goods infused with cannabis oil seized after being sold by a Hamilton woman through social media.

Police say the 27-year-old was selling the goods online via Instagram and Facebook under the name Dolly’s Edibles.

Last week, police seized the products during a search warrant in Hamilton. The woman appeared in the Hamilton District Court today charged with a number of drug offences relating to production, supply and distribution.

Waikato Detective Inspector Graham Pitkethley says the method of selling via social media allows people of all ages, including children and young people, to easily purchase and obtain such products.

“It’s equally important for parents and caregivers to be aware that young people are able to purchase these products via a range of social media platforms,” he says.

“The psychoactive effects from eating cannabis products will be widely variable depending on the individual. This would be extremely frightening to a person eating these products unknowingly.”

Mr Pitkethley says a search warrant on Friday uncovered the production of a large quantity of cannabis infused butter and a significant quantity of cannabis infused products including gummy and jelly lollies, moulded chocolates, muffins, cookies and brownies.

The woman has been remanded to reappear in court on 24 June 2020.
https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/police-warn-kiwi-parents-after-woman-accused-selling-cannabis-edibles-through-facebook-instagram

signup-rollKeep up with family issues in NZ.
Receive our weekly emails direct to your Inbox.
Ed
In Recent News

Mike’s Minute: We need transparency in referendum debate

NewsTalk ZB 9 June 2020
Our additional comment: Good question Mike…
“The Drug Foundation, who should not be in the business at the best of times of being political operatives, have nevertheless decided to bring the worst aspects of Washington lobbying to New Zealand by raising money to buy spin, to twist your arm to vote yes for cannabis in September.
The question is, who’s funding them?”

It seems remarkable does it not you can have referenda in this country that have, seemingly, so few rules around them.

The Drug Foundation, who should not be in the business at the best of times of being political operatives, have nevertheless decided to bring the worst aspects of Washington lobbying to New Zealand by raising money to buy spin, to twist your arm to vote yes for cannabis in September.

The question is, who’s funding them?

They say for a start that the government money they get isn’t being used. But of the money that’s being donated, who is it from? And how much is it? And most importantly, why don’t we know? And if we did, would it potentially change your mind?

Here’s an irony, I bet you anything you want, that these are just the sort of people who would object to us funding governments and political parties and the way they’re funding their campaigns with few rules and little disclosure.

If you have to disclose anything over $15,000 for a political party, why not a referenda?

Here’s my guess, at least some of the money will be coming from corporates who see profit in legalising dope. Those who gain most, will be finding the opportunity to profit the most. Show me I am wrong. And do those that stand to profit have our health interests at heart? Or their bottom lines? And if they’re so above board and open with their views, ideas, and plans, why on earth aren’t they out there telling us who they are, and what they’re stumping up?

Nothing wrong with a vote. Democracy is good, ideas are good, and debate is good. But you debate with those you can see. We currently can’t see who they are.

The entire campaign is run under the name of the Drug Foundation. We have no idea who’s behind him. Why not? And if it was a corporate who had given a small fortune, what would your view be then?
READ MORE: https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/video/mikes-minute-we-need-transparency-in-referendum-debate/
twitter follow us

Ed
In Media Release

Today’s Cannabis Linked To Violence – New Study

Media Release 8 June 2020
A large study just published by a team from Montreal University in Canada has found that people who regularly smoke cannabis are almost three times more likely to commit a violent offence as those who abstain from the drug.

The paper entitled “Association Between the Use of Cannabis and Physical Violence in Youths: A Meta-Analytical Investigation” and published in the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) American Journal of Psychiatry did a meta-analysis of 30 studies which covered 296,815 people up to the age of 30.

The study found that over time, prolonged cannabis use profoundly alters the brain, making the user less able to control their temper, and that addicts may also suffer from withdrawal symptoms, making them irritable and prone to lashing out. Psychiatrist Professor Sir Robin Murray, a world-leading expert on the neurological impact of the drug, was quoted in the media saying that the link between cannabis use and violence was a ‘neglected area’.

The researchers say that while ‘the [scientific] literature has shown that cannabis use may lead to violent behaviours and aggression; however, this association has been inconsistent’ – with some studies showing a relationship and others not – their meta-analysis found users were more than twice as likely (2.15 times) to have committed a violent offence as non-users. Among ‘persistent heavy users’, the risk of violence was 2.81 times higher.

This follows a study published just last month in the journal JAMA Psychiatry which found that the use of high-potency cannabis was associated with a significant increase in the frequency of cannabis use, likelihood of cannabis problems, and likelihood of anxiety disorder. In addition, high-potency weed users are more likely to use weed at least once a week, twice as likely to have used illicit drugs within the past 12 months, and more than three times as likely to be tobacco smokers. Significantly, the study defined high potency as “typically ≥10% THC”. According to the proposed New Zealand legislation, THC levels (the psychoactive chemical in cannabis) are initially set at 15% THC for smoking.

“This latest study simply reinforces what we already know. Today’s cannabis is a significantly harder more potent drug causing greater harms than the pot of the 90’s or earlier. The use of cannabis is associated with increased risks of a number of adverse outcomes including educational delay, welfare dependence, increased risks of psychotic symptoms, major depression, increased risks of motor vehicle accidents, increased risks of tobacco use, increased risks of other illicit drug use, and respiratory impairment,” says spokesperson Aaron Ironside.

“At a time when New Zealand’s mental health system is bursting at the seams, why would we go and legitimise a mind-altering product which will simply add to social harm?”
ENDS

Ed
In Media Release

Alliance of Community Leaders & Organisations Launch ‘Vote NO’ Campaign

Media Release 8 June 2020
An alliance of community organisations and leaders (including ex-addicts, educators, ex-police, addiction counsellors, health professionals and community workers) have joined together to form Smart Approaches To Marijuana NZ (SAM-NZ), and will work together to oppose any attempt to legalise cannabis in New Zealand in the upcoming referendum.

“We’re pleased to have such a wide-ranging group of organisations and experts from all areas of society to come together to argue against legalising the recreational use of cannabis, based on reputable science and sound principles of public health and safety,” says spokesperson Aaron Ironside.

“The use of cannabis is associated with increased risks of a number of adverse outcomes including educational delay, welfare dependence, increased risks of psychotic symptoms, major depression, increased risks of motor vehicle accidents, increased risks of tobacco use, increased risks of other illicit drug use, and respiratory impairment.”

“At a time when New Zealand’s mental health system is bursting at the seams, why would we go and legitimise a mind-altering product which will simply add to social harm?”

The New Zealand coalition has aligned itself with the prominent US group SAM which is led by Dr Kevin Sabet, a former advisor to three U.S. presidential administrations (Clinton, Bush and Obama Administrations) – the only drug policy staffer to have ever served as a political appointee in a Democrat and Republican administration.

“Our NZ coalition is stoked to be aligned with such a credible organization as SAM. SAM’s Staff and Science Advisory Board is composed of world-recognised experts in research, addiction, and treatment who work tirelessly to advance public health and safety, and stand up to a powerful marijuana industry.”

SAM-NZ
(Smart Approaches To Marijuana NZ) 

REFERENDUM ON THE LEGALISATION OF RECREATIONAL CANNABIS 

Evidence shows that marijuana – which has skyrocketed in average potency over the past decades – is addictive and harmful to the human brain, especially when used by adolescents. In US states that have already legalised the drug, there has been an increase in drugged driving crashes, youth marijuana use, and costs that far outweigh tax revenues from marijuana. These states have seen a black market that continues to thrive, sustained marijuana arrest rates, and tobacco company investment in marijuana. It plays a significant role in domestic violence, crime, accidents, mental disorders and lost productivity.

The referendum proposed by the Government on the legalisation of cannabis will therefore be a watershed moment for the health and well-being of all New Zealanders.

Legalising the drug would in effect legitimise and increase its use in New Zealand. Regulations and the educative approach have failed to prevent the abuse of alcohol in this country with all of us having to suffer its adverse consequences in road accidents, violence and anti-social behaviour.

When education and regulation fail, the legal status of the drug is the only bottom line to prevent its wholesale adoption with all of the negative consequences for us as a nation.

Smart Approaches To Marijuana NZ (SAM-NZ) is an alliance of community organisations and leaders (including ex-addicts, educators, ex-police, addiction counsellors, health professionals and community workers), and opposes any attempt to legalise cannabis, based on reputable science and sound principles of public health and safety.

We argue that drug use is both a criminal and a health issue. A smart arrest policy can both provide a societal stamp of disapproval and provide an opportunity to intervene and stop the progression of use. Keeping marijuana illegal through an appropriate application of the laws that cater for ‘youthful indiscretions’ and which focus predominantly on supply and dealers is as much a public safety policy as it is a public health policy. But if those with addictions commit serious offences, as does happen, the criminal law cannot simply turn a blind eye. The community still needs to be protected.

We fully support the increased provision and funding of drug counselling services, drug treatment centres and drug education programmes in schools. These should remain our preferred ‘smart’ approach to cannabis use.

This is not a ‘war on drugs’ – this is a defence of our brains and health. People should always come before profits.

Retaining it as a criminal offence sends a clear and unequivocal message that New Zealanders regard drug use as a dangerous and unacceptable form of recreation.

We urge New Zealanders to be fully informed on this debate, to think deeply on the implications, and to vote NO to legalising cannabis in the referendum.

Aaron Ironside                         Spokesperson: SAM-NZ
Pat Buckley                               Amped4Life Trust
Imraan Ali                             New Zealand Muslim Association
Pat Walsh                                  Secondary School Principal, former head of a Principal’s Ass’n
Rev Pane Kawhia                    Anglican Minister, Ruatoria
Christine Rankin                     Transforming Justice Foundation
Dr Ate  Moala                          PACYFIC Trust
Vic Tamati                               Community Worker
Mo McLeary                            Drug Free Ambassadors
Dr Andreas Leinfellner         Paediatrician.
Kirk Hardy                               The Drug Detection Agency
Alli Axford                               Drug Free World
Mazin  Al-Salim                      Working Together Group (WTG)
Sully Pa’ea                               Community Worker – South Auckland
Maureen MacDonald             Drug-ARM Wellington
Wayne Mulqueen                   Focus on the Family NZ
Jess McVicar                           Sensible Sentencing Trust
Dave Pizzini                             Ex-Police (Detective Senior Sergeant)
Bob McCoskrie                        Family First NZ
Darryl Wesley                         Health Professional
Stuart Caldwell                       Get Smart (Tauranga)
Brendon Warne                      Anti-P Ministries
Alan Vink                                 LeadershipWorx
Dale Kirk                                  Methcon
Stuart Lange                            NZ Christian Network
Nick Tuitasi QSM                   Pacific Wave
John Subritzky                        Promise Keepers
Rob Nordstrom                       Rubicon Alcohol & Other Drug
Gaylene Fraser                        Drug Free World
Karrin  Coates                         Sensible Sentencing Group Trust
Greer Keane                            Te Ata Rangi Rangatahi
Glenn   Dobson                       International Board Member – National Drug and Alcohol
Screening Association (NDASA)
Gayann Phillips                      NZ Christian Network
Christina Stroud                     World Federation Against Drugs
Ismail  Waja                            Working Together Group (WTG)
Bruce Couper                          Ex-Police
Phil Paikea                               Community Worker
Trevor Turner                         Drug Free World
Ronji Tanielu                          Community Worker
Allan Va’a                                Community Worker – South Auckland
Bev Adair-Beets                     Youth Advocate
Piripi Rakete                           Drug Free World
Dr Kevin Sabet                       SAM (Smart Approaches to Marijuana)
Luke Niforatos                       SAM (Smart Approaches to Marijuana)

 

Ed
In Recent News

Stormzy stops smoking marijuana to safeguard his mental health

Yahoo News 31 May 2020
Family First Comment: He shared: “If you’ve got mental health problems, stop smoking weed. It’s not good for your mental health. I have suffered with mental health problems for the past few years. When I used to feel depressed, I would lock myself away and smoke weed and I would just get worse and worse and worse. It does not help your situation. It will f*** you up.“
#votenopetodope

Stormzy has stopped smoking marijuana in a bid to improve his mental health.

The 26-year-old rap star has revealed he’s decided to kick his unhealthy habit, admitting it used to make him feel “worse and worse and worse”.

He shared: “If you’ve got mental health problems, stop smoking weed. It’s not good for your mental health.

“I have suffered with mental health problems for the past few years.

“When I used to feel depressed, I would lock myself away and smoke weed and I would just get worse and worse and worse. It does not help your situation. It will f*** you up.

“It feels good for, like, 20 minutes and then after that … we all know, us weed smokers, we know how it goes.”

Stormzy is a big advocate of maintaining physical fitness, too.

He said: “Exercise is good for mental health and also purpose. That’s why I go back to that.
READ MORE: https://nz.news.yahoo.com/stormzy-stops-smoking-marijuana-safeguard-100941032.html?guccounter=1

twitter follow us

Ed
In Recent News

SAM-NZ (Smart Approaches To Marijuana NZ) – Position Statement

REFERENDUM ON THE LEGALISATION OF RECREATIONAL CANNABIS 

Evidence shows that marijuana – which has skyrocketed in average potency over the past decades – is addictive and harmful to the human brain, especially when used by adolescents. In US states that have already legalised the drug, there has been an increase in drugged driving crashes, youth marijuana use, and costs that far outweigh tax revenues from marijuana. These states have seen a black market that continues to thrive, sustained marijuana arrest rates, and tobacco company investment in marijuana. It plays a significant role in domestic violence, crime, accidents, mental disorders and lost productivity.

The referendum proposed by the Government on the legalisation of marijuana / cannabis will therefore be a watershed moment for the health and well-being of all New Zealanders.

Legalising the drug would in effect legitimise and increase its use in New Zealand. Regulations and the educative approach have failed to prevent the abuse of alcohol in this country with all of us having to suffer its adverse consequences in road accidents, violence and anti-social behaviour.

When education and regulation fail, the legal status of the drug is the only bottom line to prevent its wholesale adoption with all of the negative consequences for us as a nation.

The SayNopeToDope Campaign is an alliance of community organisations and leaders (including ex-addicts, educators, ex-police, addiction counsellors, health professionals, lawyers, public policy researchers, Maori leaders, Pasifika leaders, educators, and community workers – plus some famous & loved sportspeople including Eroni Clarke, Wynton Rufer and David Tua!), and opposes any attempt to legalise cannabis, based on reputable science and sound principles of public health and safety.

We argue that drug use is both a criminal and a health issue. A smart arrest policy can both provide a societal stamp of disapproval and provide an opportunity to intervene and stop the progression of use. Keeping marijuana illegal through an appropriate application of the laws that cater for ‘youthful indiscretions’ and which focus predominantly on supply and dealers is as much a public safety policy as it is a public health policy. But if those with addictions commit serious offences, as does happen, the criminal law cannot simply turn a blind eye. The community still needs to be protected.

We fully support the increased provision and funding of drug counselling services, drug treatment centres and drug education programmes in schools. These should remain our preferred ‘smart’ approach to cannabis use.

This is not a ‘war on drugs’ – this is a defence of our brains and health. People should always come before profits.

Retaining it as a criminal offence sends a clear and unequivocal message that New Zealanders regard drug use as a dangerous and unacceptable form of recreation.

We urge New Zealanders to be fully informed on this debate, to think deeply on the implications, and to vote NO to legalising cannabis in the referendum.

 

Aaron Ironside – Spokesperson / Counsellor

Pat Buckley – Amped4Life Trust

Pat Walsh – Secondary School Principal, former head of a Principal’s Ass’n

                              Imraan Ali – New Zealand Muslim Association

Rev Pane Kawhia – Anglican Minister, Ruatoria

Christine Rankin – Transforming Justice Foundation

Dr Ate Moala – PACYFIC Trust

Vic Tamati – Community Worker

Mo McLeary – Drug Free Ambassadors

Dr Andreas Leinfellner – Paediatrician.

Kirk Hardy – The Drug Detection Agency

Alli Axford – Educator

Mazin Al-Salim – Working Together Group (WTG)

Sully Pa’ea – Community Worker – South Auckland

Maureen MacDonald – Drug-ARM Wellington

Wayne Mulqueen – Focus on the Family NZ

Jess McVicar – Sensible Sentencing Trust

Dave Pizzini – Ex-Police (Detective Senior Sergeant)

Bob McCoskrie – Family First NZ / World Federation Against Drugs

Darryl Wesley – Health professional

Stuart Caldwell – Get Smart (Tauranga)

Brendon Warne – Anti-P Ministries

Alan Vink – LeadershipWorx

Dale Kirk – Methcon

Stuart Lange – NZ Christian Network

Nick Tuitasi QSM – Pacific Wave

John Subritzky – Promise Keepers

Rob Nordstrom – Rubicon Alcohol & Other Drug

Gaylene Fraser – Educator

Karrin Coates – Sensible Sentencing Group Trust

Greer Keane – Te Ata Rangi Rangatahi

Glenn Dobson – International Board Member – National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association (NDASA)

Gayann Phillips – NZ Christian Network

Christina Stroud – Think Again-Risk Management in the Workplace

Ismail  Waja – Working Together Group (WTG)

Bruce Couper – Ex-Police

Phil Paikea – Community Worker

Trevor Turner – Educator

Ronji Tanielu – Community Worker

Allan Va’a – Community Worker – South Auckland

Bev Adair-Beets – Youth Advocate

Piripi Rakete – Educator

Dr Kevin Sabet – SAM Smart Approaches to Marijuana (US)

Luke Niforatos – SAM Smart Approaches to Marijuana

Authorised by SAM (Smart Approaches to Marijuana) NZ, c/- 28 Davies Ave, Manukau City 2241

 

Ed
In Recent News

California wants to hire more cannabis cops to get a handle on black market marijuana

The Sacramento Bee 2 June 2020
Our additional comment: But weren’t we told that legalisation would free up police resources?
It’s a myth!
#saynopetodope
#VoteNO

California’s Bureau of Cannabis Control is looking to beef up its law enforcement presence.

The bureau in a new state budget request is asking lawmakers to let it build an 87-member police force that would enforce the 2016 law voters passed legalizing recreational cannabis. It’d create the law enforcement branch by absorbing 58 positions from another department, and hiring 29 more cannabis cops.

The department is trying to contain a black market that pervades the state three years after California’s first recreational marijuana stores opened.

In 2019, the bureau seized nearly 24 tons of illicit cannabis, while the California Highway Patrol in 2018 seized more than 80 tons.

Black market cannabis operators made an estimated $8.3 billion in sales in 2019, compared to the $3.1 billion the legal market made, according to projections from BDS Analytics and Arcview Market Research.

“Investigators have seized millions in untested products, including cannabis flower, edibles, tinctures, concentrates — all bypassing the state’s testing and labeling requirements,” said George Tiongson, president of the California Association of Criminal Investigators, an affiliate of the union that represents employees the bureau’s employees.
READ MORE: https://www.sacbee.com/article243061066.html

signup-rollKeep up with family issues in NZ.
Receive our weekly emails direct to your Inbox.